Police say they’re closing Tamaki Drive to allow people participating in the hīkoi to Parliament in Wellington to walk from Okahu Bay to Bastion Point.
The closure began at about 12.40pm, between Ngapipi Road and Patteson Avenue.
Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.
It was reported earlier today that central Auckland traffic was in gridlock as the hīkoi moved south from the North Shore over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The hīkoi is being staged in protest at the ACT Party’s Bill on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Several thousand people on the hīkoi are this morning, November 13, making their way across the Harbour Bridge.
An estimated 5000 people are taking part in this morning’s hīkoi, which has been peaceful, with no major issues reported.
News media reported traffic heading north on the motorway was backed up to Newmarket.
Two lanes of the Harbour Bridge are closed this morning to ensure the safety of hīkoi participants and road users.
Closures will be in place at the Stafford Road offramp, Curran Street onramp, and the two outer northbound lanes of the bridge itself.
The Shelly Beach Road southbound offramp will also be closed.
Police say they’re continuing to monitor the progress of those participating in the event through parts of Auckland today.
“Participants gathered in Onepoto Domain and, at 9.30am, began to hīkoi on foot across the Harbour Bridge.
“The first groups have completed the crossing and will be making their way through the CBD via Fanshawe Street.
“The ‘tail’ of the hīkoi is making its way onto the bridge now. Traffic is continuing to flow in both directions.
“We continue to remind motorists to expect delays in the vicinity of both side of the Harbour Bridge today.”
At 12.20pm police said the hīkoi had completed the crossing of the Harbour Bridge.
“Earlier this morning, two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge were closed to allow the hīkoi to travel by foot into the city.
“The lanes reopened to traffic about midday, while Fanshawe Street reopened to traffic about 11.30am.
“In total, an estimated 5000 people crossed the bridge in just over two hours from 9.30am.
“The hīkoi is continuing to move towards Okahu Bay on foot, via the CBD and Tamaki Drive.
“While participants are using footpaths, we advise motorists in the city to expect some delays.
“We would like to thank motorists for their cooperation so far today and police are continuing to monitoring the hīkoi as it moves through the city.”
People are encouraged to use the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi journey planner for real-time information on any delays at https://journeys.nzta.govt.nz.
Auckland Transport says for the most up to date information including live tracking of buses, go to Live Departures at www.at.govt.nz or the AT mobile app.
